NCJ Number
119328
Date Published
1989
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This discussion of crimes related to electronic funds transfers focuses on offenses directed at automated teller machines, automated clearinghouses, and other related technologies.
Abstract
The text emphasizes the adaptation of traditional concepts of criminal law, especially larceny, to nontraditional forms of wrongdoing, mainly the unauthorized use of information rather than the physical taking of it. The nature of electronic funds transfer technologies are explained, as are the types of crimes and the limitations of traditional criminal law. State laws are discussed, with emphasis on obtaining access to computers for the purposes of defrauding, changing data, unauthorized access, and attempts. The use of wire fraud statutes in Federal efforts to address these crimes are also explained. Further analysis focuses on the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Counterfeit Access Device Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. Footnotes.